Halil Umut Meler, a Turkish international referee who officiated the Benfica-Salzburg and Real Sporting Braga matches, was punched by the president of Ankaragücü on the field. The Federation has suspended the League.
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The match between Ankaragücü and Rizespor had just ended, with both teams maintaining their mid-table positions in the Turkish Super League equivalent to the top tier.
The game was marked by constant excitement until the final moments of stoppage time, when the visiting team managed to secure a 1-1 draw with a goal from Adolfo Gaich at 90+7', after the home team had been reduced to ten players since the 50th minute due to the expulsion of Ali Sowe. After that, chaos ensued, leaving the national football community in shock.
After the final whistle, the president of Ankaragücü, Faruk Koca, invaded the pitch and headed towards the referee of the game, Halil Umut Meler. Even though he was initially restrained, he managed to punch the head of the refereeing team. The subsequent images displayed the referee with a black eye and visible swelling following the assault. Other videos filmed from the stands showed that he was also subjected to two kicks by individuals associated with the home team while he was on the ground.
It should be noted that Halil Umut Meler is one of Turkey's international referees, having officiated this season in the Benfica-Salzburg and Real Madrid-Sporting Braga matches, both part of the Champions League group stage. "Due to the head trauma, he was examined from the brain to the abdominal region. There is no life-threatening risk at this moment. There is only bleeding around the left eye and a small fracture there. Other than that, there is no significant life-threatening issue. Due to a head injury, we will continue to monitor the referee until the morning," explained the head of the hospital unit where the referee was taken after the assault.
"MKE Ankaragücü is deeply saddened by the incident that occurred tonight. We publicly apologize to Turkish football and the entire sports community for the terrible incident that took place after the game against Rizespor at Eryaman Stadium," the club wrote two hours later on social media. The club's leader, Faruk Koca, also expressed regret over the incident, stating that he did not fully remember what he had done. He was taken to the hospital before being arrested by the authorities, along with the other assailants.
Later, the Turkish Football Federation announced its decision to suspend the League. "We strongly condemn the inhumane and despicable attack on Halil Umut Meler, a FIFA-badge referee. The attack was not only on Halil Umut Meler but on all elements of Turkish football. Anyone who targets or encourages crimes against referees is an accomplice to this contemptible crime. The irresponsible comments of club presidents, directors, coaches, and TV commentators have paved the way for this vile attack. Those who bring up situations that happened years ago as if they occurred today are responsible for this," explained Mehmet Büyükeksi, the head of the Federation, in a statement. He did not specify a date for resuming the competition but promised severe sanctions following the episode.
"Sport means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence in Turkish sports," emphasized the country's president, Recep Erdogan.
Updated: 11:57, 12 Dec 2023
